Art Nouveau 'Poppies' Match Safe with Striker

This finely worked match safe dates to the fin-de-siècle period, when Art Nouveau and Aesthetic movement influences converged to elevate everyday objects through design.

The case is decorated in low-relief repoussé with an asymmetrical poppy motif—its sinuous stems and softly modelled blossoms characteristic of late 19th-century floral ornament. The blossoms appear in a brighter silver tone against a darker ground, creating depth and contrast typical of the period’s metalwork.

The hinged flip-top opens smoothly to reveal the match compartment, while the fore-edge is engraved with horizontal striker lines. A diagonal reserve on the reverse bears a period engraved inscription reading “Wimerseur,” a common feature in personal objects of this era, likely denoting original ownership.

An example of this exact model is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, recognised for the elegance of its design and the refinement of its decorative detail—underscoring the artistic value of what was once a purely utilitarian object.

Compact yet sculptural, this piece reflects the period’s belief that beauty belonged in everyday life and is still functional with the 'strike anywhere' type matches